By: Problyn J. Alpha
The Sierra Leone Police have arrested six prime suspects believed to be behind the brutal murder of Rev. Father Augustine Dauda Amadu in Kenema, as well as armed attacks on John Lamina, Regional Manager of NASSIT, and one Ezekiel Coker, both in Bo.
The disclosure was made by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Brima Kanneh, the outgoing Regional Police Commander South, during a press briefing in Bo.
AIGP Kanneh stated that the arrests were made possible through what he described as “robust operations and fast-paced investigations” into a series of three major armed robbery incidents that shocked the region in late August 2025.
According to the police, based on confessional statements obtained during the investigations, the suspects admitted to a crime spree that began on August 28, 2025, at the residence of Ezekiel Coker in Bo. Though Mr. Coker was reportedly not at home, the suspects allegedly looted valuable property.
Later that same night, the gang moved to the home of John Lamina, NASSIT’s Regional Manager, where they carried out a violent assault that left Mr. Lamina hospitalized.
The following day, August 29, 2025, the suspects reportedly traveled to Kenema, where they allegedly murdered Rev. Father Augustine Dauda Amadu, a well-known and respected Catholic priest. His killing sparked national outrage and calls for swift justice.
AIGP Kanneh revealed that some of the arrested suspects are known convicts, with indications that they may have escaped from court custody or correctional facilities.
“The Sierra Leone Police will not relent in arresting, investigating, and charging suspects to court,” Commander Kanneh vowed. “We remain committed to bringing all criminals to justice.”
In a related development, AIGP Kanneh also oversaw the public burning of a large quantity of illicit drugs on September 8, 2025, in Bo. The destroyed substances included kush, tramadol, and dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
This marks the second public drug destruction exercise under his leadership as Regional Commander South. AIGP Kanneh explained that the burning was conducted to promote transparency and accountability in how seized drugs are handled.
“These substances had no legal claimants during or after investigations